Statement on behalf of Lionheart consortium: Tuesday

Last updated : 19 May 2004 By Dov
The Lionheart consortium confirms today that our adviser Dr Tony Kinder has been informed by Mr Dominic Keane that he will not agree to the transfer of his shareholding to facilitate our acquisition of Livingston football club, because of Mr Keane’s ongoing dispute with HBOS. We believe that a legal dispute of this kind could be very lengthy and would obviously endanger our bid for the club.

Lionheart remains determined to make every effort to find the means to ensure that Livingston is rescued and continues as a top-flight Scottish club and therefore we are exploring new options with the administrators, Kroll.

Pearse Flynn, who leads Lionheart, emphasised that Lionheart remains the preferred bidder for Livingston and is therefore the only viable option for the administrator.

He added: “We believe there is still time to rescue Livingston and ensure that it returns to a firm commercial footing. We are in talks with the administrator about possible alternative means of assuming control of the club. We wish to assure everyone involved – including staff, supporters, sponsors and partners — that we will leave no stone unturned in our pursuit of a satisfactory conclusion.”